The newest model of the flagship Fenix adventure watch introduces a life-saving feature: no-phone communication and SOS alerts using 4G LTE or satellite links.
This Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the already impressive Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge cellular technology, along with an optional advanced microLED display in a special edition. This is Garmin's premier model and engineered to be the only gadget required to explore virtually any location and track all your movements.
This makes it an very pricey option, priced from £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED model and reaching a substantial £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED screen – almost twice the price of the regular Fenix 8.
You do receive a lot of functionality for your money, with industry-leading workout, movement and adventure tracking. Its full offline maps of the world can seamlessly direct you return to the path if you lose your way without a phone, and appear great on the sizable, crisp and high-luminance display.
The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively available in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, not the smaller 43mm version found in other models, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as tested boasts an additional day of watch battery life even with the screen always active, enduring a solid eight to nine days between charges.
Phone-Free Texting, Calls and Live Tracking
The company operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription plan instead of relying on a watch plan linked to your mobile provider, as with other wearables. But in contrast to competing satellite-capable devices, SOS communication is not included for free.
Rather, plans begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes limitless LTE text and audio messages, calls and LiveTrack location sharing – so your friends or loved ones can monitor you while engaged in jogging, cycling or comparable activities – plus SOS satellite SOS messaging.
Check-ins and messages over satellite are then charged additionally, with more expensive subscriptions offering various quotas of satellite usage, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch comes with a 30-day free trial so you can test out the service.
Once you have got it set up, you simply head out outside without your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You cannot use it for streaming music or comparable activities, but you can make and take calls, dispatch texts and generally keep in touch with your family and friends.
When you message someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a arbitrary number, which they can respond to directly to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger application, you can then communicate reciprocally via typed or spoken communications, and make voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger app, just a phone number is sufficient to sign up for texts.
Texting on the watch functions adequately but composing texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is slow. It has a collection of personalizable canned responses you can send to speed things up. Voice messages and calls work acceptably, though as with most smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for lengthy discussions as the audio clarity is not fantastic.
LiveTrack is the handiest function. You can configure to automatically transmit a URL to selected contacts whenever you begin an activity, so they can track your live position on a map. It’s great for monitoring race performance, but it mostly acts as a utility for someone you rely on to be aware of your location in case an incident occurs. It has generally functioned well, although the real location has sometimes lagged when moving in and out of good LTE signal.
All of these capabilities are available on other Garmin devices if you bring your phone with you, but in areas where LTE does not reach, the satellite kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, location check-ins and emergency SOS.
A guide displays you how to locate the clear view to the satellite, which then sends and receives communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly easy to use and could be a vital safety feature, though it is important to note that satellite service is restricted to the US mainland, most of Canada, and most of Europe excluding regions of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.
Environmental Impact
The watch is generally repairable with services offered via the support portal. The battery is rated to retain at least 90% of its original power after two years of weekly charging. The watch lacks any reused materials. Garmin offers disposal schemes on new purchases.
Cost
The Fenix 8 Pro is priced from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The additional Garmin inReach subscription packages cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
The Fenix 8 Pro builds on a excellent outdoor watch in the standard Fenix 8 and adds LTE for texting, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with orbital messaging, check-in and SOS SOS for when you’re without signal.
The result is an increasingly impressive adventure device for those that want to be unplugged. If you want to have someone keep an eye on you from afar while running out at night or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin does so without needing anything else.
This is very freeing to be outdoors without a phone, but that functionality carries a significant price, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the recurring fee of the inReach service to enable the features. At least it isn’t dependent on your phone carrier so functions with all brand of smartphone and network.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer gadget for someone who hates being weighed down by their phone when running, biking or trekking, but nevertheless wants to be trackable and reachable. For everyone else, it is a lot of expense when the superb Fenix 8 is already available.
Pros: LTE and orbital communication, super-bright OLED display, monitors all activities with best-in-class GPS, integrated flashlight, voice and offline commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touchscreen.
Cons: very costly, LTE and satellite functions need monthly subscription, limited Garmin Pay financial support, voice features are slow, limited wearable features compared with competing watches.
